Are you missing out on help with childcare costs?

Many Dorset families are missing out on childcare funding which could save them money. Don’t let these myths stop you from saving money on your childcare costs!

My child isn’t 3, so I won’t be able to get help

There are options available to help with childcare costs if you have children who are older or younger than 3 years old. The right option for your family will depend on your circumstances.

You can claim Tax-Free Childcare for children aged 0 to 11 (or 16 if disabled) if you work full or part time. For every £8 you pay in to your online Childcare Account, the government will add £2. You can get up to £2,000 per year towards your childcare costs (£4,000) for disabled children).

If you’re unemployed or on a low income you could be able to get up 70% of your childcare costs for 0 to 15 year olds (or 16 if disabled) with Tax Credits.

If you’re working and claiming Universal Credit you could get up to 85% of your childcare costs for 0 to 15 year olds.

If you’re unemployed, on a low income or receiving some form of support, you could get up to 15 hours free childcare for your 2 year old. This also includes children who have been adopted or fostered and children who are disabled or have an EHC plan.

You can find out which scheme, or combination of schemes, works best for your family using the online childcare calculator.

I only work part time hours, so I won’t be able to claim

As well as the 15 hours free childcare for all 3 and 4 year olds, if you’re working part or full time you could get an extra 15 hours per week. If you’re able to get up to 30 hours free childcare, you are likely to also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare for 0 to 11 year olds (or 16 if disabled). Eligibility for both schemes is based on your income, rather than the number of hours you work. You must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage and no more than £100,000 per year.

If you’re not able to claim 30 hours free childcare or Tax-Free Childcare, you could be able to get help with childcare costs with Universal Credits or Tax Credits.

See full details and find out if you could claim

I’m already getting help with childcare costs

Some families will be eligible for more than one funding scheme. Depending on which schemes you are eligible for, you may be able to claim more than one at the same time. Here’s a guide to which schemes can be claimed together: